Some Idaho sheriffs say criminal charges facing three of their colleagues are hurting the image of sheriffs statewide.
Longtime Idaho law enforcement observers say they can not remember the last time a sitting sheriff was criminally charged, and the lack of standards for sheriffs may be contributing to the problem.The Idaho Sheriffs Association has twice tried unsuccessfully to pass legislation imposing training and education requirements.
"The only requirements are that you have a heartbeat, you're 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and you win the election," Ada County Sheriff Vaughn Killeen said. "When you have higher levels and standards, the probabilities are less that you'll have problems."
Killeen said requirements for sheriffs should be tied to the size of the county and certified through the state police academy.
Shoshone County Sheriff Frank Crnkovich faces federal racketeering, obstruction of law enforcement and illegal gambling charges; Idaho County Sheriff Randy Baldwin has been acquitted on federal charges of attempted robbery, conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver drugs and using a handgun in commission of a felony but still faces state charges; and Boise County Sheriff Craig Landers is charged with misdemeanor drunken driving.
None has been convicted.
"It definitely tarnishes the badge, but I don't think there's any epidemic," State Police Academy Director Larry Plott said.
"It's unfortunate these things occurred coincidentally and at the same time. It tends to give the sheriffing business a black eye," Killeen agreed. "We have a tremendous image problem to overcome from the beginning."
Other sheriffs said they are no more imperfect than other officials, but their position make them a fair number of enemies.
"We live in a glass bubble, and we tend to be watched more than others. That comes with the territory," Owyhee County Sheriff Tim Nettleton said.
Landers said standards for sheriffs would be a good idea but probably would have made no difference in his case.